Combination window and awning



Sept. 20, 1955 E. G. SMITH ET AL 2,718,259

COMBINATION WINDOW AND AWNING Filed Feb. 16, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet l E/mer 6. Jm/fh Elmer W Jm/fh INVENTORJ ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1955 E. G. SMITH, ET AL COMBINATION WINDOW AND AWNING 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1952 E/mer 6. 6777/? E/mer W Jm/f/v \INVENTORJ' 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 E/mer 6. 6777/2? E/mer l V. Jm/fh INVENTORJ ITTOFINE) E. GVSMITH ET AL COMBINATION wmnow AND AWNING Sept. 20, 1955 Filed Feb. 16, 1952 Sept. 20, 1955 E. G. SMITH ET AL COMBINATION WINDOW AND AWNING 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 16, 1952 [/mer 3/77/27? E/mer W Jm/fh INVENTORS A 7' TOR/V5 V Sept. 20, 1955 E. G. SMITH ET AL COMBINATION wmnow AND AWNING 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1952 INVENTORJ E/nVer 6. 3/77/27? E/mer VV. Jm/Zh United States PatentO CGMBINATION WINDOW AND AWNING Elmer G. rnith and Elmer "W. Smith, College Station, Tex.

Application February 16, 1952, Serial No. 271,916

17 Claims. (Cl. 16029) This invention relates to a combination window and awning particularly constructed so that when the window is positioned away from the wall of the building, the window serves as an awning deflecting sunlight and preventing the entrance of rain while at the same time admitting the entrance of air from the outside to the inside of the building.

It is an object of this invention to provide a combination window and awning wherein weather or rain control panels are disposed on the side of the window section so that the window may be open to admit air into the building while at the same time deflecting rain and other elements.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination window and awning wherein the window section is hinged at its upper portion to a frame mounted in a wall of a building, so that the window may be pivotally moved away from the wall to an open position and may be firmly held in contact with the frame in the wall in the closed position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination window and awning having a window section with panels located therewith, the window section and panels being hinged at their upper portions to a frame mounted in a wall of a building so that the window section and panels may be pivotally moved from a closed position adjacent the frame to various open positions away from the wall, thus permitting the flow of air into the building but preventing the entrance therewith of excessive sunlight, rain and other weather elements.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination window and awning wherein a window section has disposed on its sides rain control panels which serve to prevent the entrance of rain into the building when the window and panels are in an open position, the window section and panels being supported by a support means to prevent damage thereto when the window section and panels are moved outwardly to an open position, and while they are in open position.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a combination window and awning a support and locking means for the window and awning which is supported for rotational movement so that the window and awning can be moved from a closed position to various open positions.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a combination window and awning a rotatable operating member mounted in the frame of a building, a torque tube secured to the operating member so that movement of the rotatable operating member is transmitted to the transparent section and co-planar therewith, and shade means adjustable over the surface of the transparent section to regulate the admission of light therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a combination window and awning a resiliently mounted shade for the window section to permit easy adjustment of the shade and to provide mechanism to prevent damage to the shade or shade operating mechanism upon movement of the window and awning.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination window and awning wherein a window section is mounted above a flap or rain control section so that the flap or rain control section may permit the flow of air into the inside of a room for movement thereof along and in the proximity to the floor of the building.

Other and further objects of this invention will be come apparent from the following description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric phantom View of one form of the combination window and awning of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a generally diagrammatic end view of the window and awning construction of Fig. 1, showing the positions of the principal operating elements when the window and awning are in a closed position;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the positions of the principal operating elements when the window and awning are in an open position;

Fig. 4 is an isometric view from the inside of a building, illustrating a shade construction for the window;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic end view of another form of this invention wherein a window section is positioned above a lower flap section;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view in elevation showing a portion of the support and locking structure for the modification shown in Fig. 5 wherein a window section is disposed above a lower flap section; r

Fig. 7 is an end elevational view in section taken on line 77 of Fig. 6, illustrating in dotted lines the support and window control means for the window and awning construction having a window section above a lower flap;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 8-8 of Fig. 6 illustrating a construction of the framing members of the structure of this invention;

Fig. 9 is a generally diagrammatic end view illustrating another modification of this invention wherein a resilient telescopic support arm is mounted to assist in opening the window and awning construction to various desired open positions, the parts being shown in closed position;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing the window and awning combination in an open position;

Fig. 11 is an exterior perspective view of the window and awning combination of this invention employing the construction shown in Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view from the inside of a building of the modification illustrated in Figs. 9, l0 and 11 and showing a modified shade construction for the window area;

Fig. 13 is an oblique view illustrating a modification wherein the rain control panels are hingedly connected to the window glass section and are off-set with respect thereto;

Fig. 14 is a detailed oblique view illustrating one arrangement for mounting the window glass section on the window sash.

Figs. 15 and 16 are details, partly in section, of parts of the operating mechanism employed with the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8; and

Fig. 17 is a detail in longitudinal section of one of the operating members employed in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12.

With the combination window and awning construction of this invention, not only is an attractive window presented but the construction enables the window and awning to be open at various positions to permit the air to flow into the building or house while providing effective shading for the window area and, at the same time, preventing the entry of rain into the window-opening either directly or by splashing or otherwise.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3 wherein one embodiment of this invention is shown, the combination window and awning structure is designated generally by the numeral 20, and includes a generally rectangular wall frame, designated generally by the numeral 27, which is adapted to be set into a suitable opening in a building wall, and encloses a rectangular opening 18 through which air and light are admitted to the building. Structure 2% also includes a generally rectangular sash, designated generally by the numeral 22. Sash 22 comprises a central glass window section 23 dimensioned to substantially cover opening 18 and has integral therewith, a pair of weather control I panels 2424 arranged at the opposite sides of window section 23, co-planar therewith and extending laterally for a substantial distance on opposite sides of opening 18. Upper and lower sash rails 26 and 25, respectively, serve to support the respective upper and lower edges of the glass section, the side edges of which are suitably mounted in the adjacent inner side edges-of panels 24. The upper edge of sash 22 is hingedly attached adjacent the upper edge of opening 18 in any suitable and conventional manner to allow the sash to swing toward and away from the front of wall frame 27. in Figs. l3 wall frame 27 is shown more or less diagrammatically and details thereof will be explained hereinafter, particularly in connection with Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

To provide for operation and control of sash 22, Fig. 1 shows a support and control means, designated generally by the numeral 31. This support and control means includes a pair of support arms 32 extending longitudinally beneath panels 24 to points near their forward edges. As best seen in Fig. 15, the outer end of each of the arms 32 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 34 supported by a pair of links 33, which are, in turn, pivotally connected to a second pivot pin 34a pivotally supported in a depending U-shaped bracket 34b which is suitably mounted on the underside of panel 24.

The inner ends of arms 32 are rigidly connected to a torque tube 35 which is rotatably mounted in frame 27 above the hinge line of sash 22 and extends generally parallel to the upper edge of the sash. The rigid connection between the inner ends of arms 32 and the torque tube may be formed by means of short braces 46 disposed at an angle to arms 32. These braces serve to provide angular support for sash 22 when in the open position (Fig. 3) and permit mounting of torque tube 35 out of sight above the hinge line of the sash. The torque tube 35 may be journalled in bearings 37 (only one shown, Fig. 6), which are mounted in any convenient manner in upright side members 27a of frame 27. An operating member 36, which is preferably tubular or cylindrical, extends into the bore of torque tube 35 and is affixed thereto at a point 39 (Fig. 1) located approximately at the mid-point of the torque tube.

One end of operating member 36 projects from the end of the torque tube and is connected to a control and locking means, designated generally by the numeral 48, as may best be seen in Fig. 1 and which will be described in detail hereinafter. Operating member 36 is employed to control the rotation of torque tube 35 in opening and closing sash 22, as will be described hereinafter.

The torque tube 35 and operating member 36 are prevented from moving excessively in an axial direction by thrust plates 38, one of which is shown in Fig. 6. The torque tube is much more rigid in torsion than the operating member 36 and will, therefore, yield in rotation as a unit when subjected to forces such as those of the wind.

This prevents excessive twisting of the sash 22 which might otherwise crack the glass in section 23. This resistance to twisting of the sash is further increased due to the fact that operating member 36 is fastened to the torque tube at approximately the mid-point between arms 32.

The arrangement whereby operating member 36 is rigidly connected, as by welding, to only the mid-point of torque tube 35, has the additional advantage that, if one side of the sash closes slightly before the other, the torque applied by the operating member 36 to torque tube 35 can cause support arms 32 to rotate sufiiciently relative to each other to cause both sides of the sash 22 to close tightly.

The support and control means 31 includes a pair of crank members 4b lil rigidly secured to torque tube 35 and extending radially therefrom, one of the crank members 4i? being positioned adjacent the point of connection of each of the arms 32 to the torque tube. An angular toggle link 42 has one end pivotally connected by means of a crank pin 43 to the outer end of each of the crank members 40, the link 42 extending behind torque tube 35 and having its open side facing outwardly with its lower end extending below torque tube 35. The lower end of each link 42 is connected by means of a depending rod 44 to one end of a strong coil spring 45, the opposite end of which is secured by means of a hook 437, to the lower portion of frame 27. it will be evident that, by reason of the angular shape of link 42 and the position of crank member 46 on the torque tube, when torque tube 35 has been rotated through an angle to move the outer end of crank member 46 forwardly of the center of rotation, which will lie on a line passing through lower spring mounting 4'7 and the axis of rotation of torque tube 35, the force of spring 45 will be exerted on the outer end of the crank member in a direction tending to swing arms 32 rearwardly, thereby urging sash 22 toward the closed position and to retain it therein. On the other hand, when the torque tube is rotated in the opposite direction and the end of crank member 44 moves rearwardly past the center of rotation, the force of spring :5 will be exerted on the outer end of crank member 40 in a direction to swing arms 32 forwardly, thereby urging sash 22 toward the open position and to maintain it in such position. Thus, the force of spring 45 is employed both to exert a final closing force on sash 22 and to then hold it closed and also to aid in opening the sash and in holding it open.

To open sash 22, suflicient force must be exerted either by pushing outwardly against the sash or by rotating torque tube 35 in the corresponding direction to overcome the force of spring 45 and rotate crank member 4i) rearwardly past the center of rotation, whereupon the force of the spring will act to continue the outward movement of the sash.

Because of the size and weight of the sash, springs 45 are made quite strong and the opening movement described must be suitably controlled by appropriate control and locking means in order to prevent damage to the window and to control the degree of opening desired.

Such a control and locking means is illustrated in Fig. 1, being designated generally by the numeral 48, and is shown in greater detail in Fig. 16. The means 48, comprises, an arcuate rack 49 vertically mounted on one of the uprights at one side of frame 27 and provided with angularly spaced slots 50 in the convex edge thereof facing inwardly of the frame. Alongside rack 49 there is mounted in horizontal position a generally rectangular handle 51, one end of which is hingcdly supported in frame 27 on a hinge pin 54 located substantially at the center of curvature of the rack so that the opposite end of the handle may be swung through an are generally concentric with that of the rack. A latch pin 53 is mounted transversely of the handle intermediate the ends thereof and one end of the latch pin projects through an elongated slot 56 in the side of the handle for engagement in the slots 50 of the rack. The other end of latch pin 53 is suitably pivoted in the opposite side of handle 51. The projecting end of latch pin 53 is resiliently connected to the rear of handle 51 by a suitable toggle and spring means 56a which acts to normally urge latch pin 53 rearwardly, so that when the end of the pin is engaged in one of the rack slots 50, the spring means will hold the pin in position in such slot. To release the latch pin, in order that the handle may be swung to move the pin to another slot along the rack, the operator, by simultaneously grasping both the latch pin and the forward end of the handle, may pull the latch pin forwardly against the resistance of spring means 561; and draw it out of a rack slot 50. Then the handle may be freely swung to any other position along rack 49 and by releasing the grasp of latch pin 53, will allow the latter to enter another rack slot opposite the position to which the handle has been moved. An actuating rod 55 has one end pivotally connected by means of a pivot pin 55a to one side of handle 51 and the other end pivotally connected at 55b to an arm 55c rigidly secured to operating member 36, as best seen in Fig. 1. With this arrangement, it will be seen that the movement of handle 51 may be employed to rotate operating member 36 and this movement will be transmitted to torque tube 35 to open and close sash 22, and that by latching the handle in selected ones of the rack slots, the sash may be locked in any desired position between the fully open and fully closed positions.

As has been explained in connection with Figs. 1-3, the combination window and awning of this invention is shown somewhat schematically, with the end views Figs. 2 and 3 illustrating the closed position and an open position, respectively, of the sash 22. A more detailed construction of the frame 27 and of some of the other parts is shown in Figs. 6-8, to which some reference has already been made. Actually the modification shown in Figs. 6-8 is practically the same as that shown in Figs. 1-3 with the exception that an auxiliary ventilating flap 60 is mounted below the sash 22. Thus, in this construction the wall or window frame 27 includes an upper frame header 61, a lower frame header 62 and an intermediate frame header 63. In the modification of Figs. l-3 the frame header 63 would be the lower frame member and the flap 641 would not be used. It is desirable in some constructions to employ a false header 64 inclined as shown in Fig. 7. This inclined header 64 is used primarily to conceal the shade rollers which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Flap 60 is preferably constructed of opaque material such as plywood or metal, but may' be constructed of transparent or translucent material if desired. Its purpose is primarily to admit the flow of air adjacent the lower portion of the combination window and awning structure so that it flows into a building in proximity to the floor to accomplish a cooling effect in the lower portion of the room. It will be observed in Fig. 7 particularly that flap 60 is set back or inwardly slightly with respect to sash 22 so that when the latter is closed any rain striking the sash will drip clear of the top of flap 60.

The upper edge of flap 60 is hinged at 65 beneath intermediate frame members 63 for pivotal movement with respect to frame 27 for opening and closing an opening 18a in the lower portion of frame 27. A support and control means generally similar to support and control means 31, previously described, may be employed in connection with flap 60, and the corresponding parts thereof, as best seen in Figs. 6 and 7, are designated by the same numerals as employed in connection with means 31. It will be understood that a control and locking means similar to control and locking means 51 may also be employed in conection with the operation of flap 60.

For beauty and pleasing appearance it is desirable to have as much as possible of the internal operating mechanism concealed in normal use. To this end, as can be seen in Fig. 8, cover sheets 6868 may be mounted over which enclose openings 18 and 18a. Coversheets 69-69 may be employed to line the walls of openings 18- and 18a and additional cover sheets 70 may be employed to close the outer edges of frame 27. This arrangement will conceal practically all of the support and operating mechanism, although it will be necessary to provide slotted openings 68a in the front cover sheets through which arms 32 may extend and move. These cover sheets with the uprights 27a and 27b and the various headers and related framing members form the composite frame structure or member 27 which is built as a unit and in that form can be inserted into an opening in a wall in a building. The wall frame 27 can be secured to studs or posts 71 (one shown) forming a part of the wall 72. Such a construction permits the ready insertion of the entire window and awning construction of this invention into a wall of a building or house. In some instances it may be desirable to provide a screen on the inside of the window and awning structure such as shown at 74 in Figs. 6 and 7, which covers the area. of opening 18. If desired a similar screen can be provided for the space over which the flap 60 extends.

In the modification shown in Figs. 9-11 a different type of support means from that shown in Figs. 1-3 and 6-7 is utilized. This support means, designated generally by the numeral 75, includes a sleeve 76 which is mounted on a shaft 77. The shaft 77 is pivotally mounted at point 78 to the frame 27 while the sleeve 76 is pivotally mounted to sash 22 at pivot point 80. A coil spring 79, Fig. 17, is inserted within the sleeve 76 and surrounds the upper portion of shaft 77, being held in compression between an external shoulder 77a on shaft 77 and a washer 77b suitably mounted in the upper end of sleeve 76. When sash 22 is moved from the open position shown in Fig. 10 to the closed position shown in Fig. 9 the spring is compressed. Likewise the spring will normally urge sash 22 to the open position shown in Fig. 10. A suitable latch means can be provided to control and limit this outward movement caused by the spring in the support means 75.

In Fig. 13 another modification of this invention is shown wherein the window section 23 and panels 24 are separately constructed. Window section 23 is hinged to the header 61 inside its outer edge while the panels 24 are hinged at the extreme outer edge of the header 61. This construction off-sets the panels 24 a slight distance forward of the window section 23 and to coordinate the movement of the panels 24 with the window section 23 a link 84 pivotly connects the panels 24 to the rail 25 of the window section 23. The support means shown in Figs. 9-11 or the support means 31 shown in Figs. 1-3 could be used in this modification.

In Fig. 14 one type of mounting for the window glass 23 is shown. In that form the window glass 23 is of thin construction to permit flexing without breakage, particularly where large picture window types of window section 23 are used. The rail 25 has mounted on the bottom thereof a metal plate 85 which has an angular bend 86 for receiving the edge of the window glass section 23. This metal plate is retained by screws or other suitable fastening means 87. The glass 23 may rest upon a lead cushion in the bottom of the angular portion 86 and in some instances may be packed with resilient material such as glass wool, for caulking and cushioning. Drainage holes 88 are also provided to permit any moisture to drain therefrom.

The window and awning construction in accordance with this invention, in order to fulfill one of its functions, namely, as an awning for excluding and controlling direct light rays, necessarily requires suitable means, in conjunction with transparent window section 23, for excluding or controlling the amount of light admitted therethrough. Various forms of adjustable window shades may be employed for this purpose. Two are illustrated in Figs. 4 and 12, in which the operating mechanisms previously described are not shown for purposes of clarity, it being understood, however, that the complete structures will include such mechanisms in combination with the shade construction to be hereinafter described.

In the shade construction shown in Fig. 4, a shade 90, has its upper edge connected to a conventional shade roller 90a which is mounted adjacent the interior upper edge 91 of window section 23. Roller 90a will have the conventional coil spring (not shown) but no pawl such as is commonly used to control the degree of extension and retraction of the shade. To adjust the shade to various postions over the inner face of glass section 23, the lower end of the shade is connected at one end to a cord 92 which extends about a pulley 93 mounted at the bottom of the window section adjacent the end of the shade to which the cord is connected. From pulley 93, cord 92 is led upwardly along the sash and over a series of pulleys 94, 95, 96 located near the top of frame 27. The cord then passes through an eye 3% at the upper end of a coil spring 97 which is enclosed within a tubular casing 98. From eye 1% the cord passes back across the top of the shade over a second series of pulleys 99, 101, and 102, and thence downwardly along the opposite side of shade 9% to a pulley 1%, located near the bottom of the window section, and thence to the lower edge of the shade to which this end of the cord will be fastened. The two ends of cord 92 will, therefore, be connected to the lower end of shade 9% near its opposite edges. With this described arrangement, it will be seen that by moving casing 98 up or down inside frame 27, the shade may be raised or lowered as desired. Casing 98 carries a laterally projecting pin 105 or the like which may be inserted in any one of a series of vertically spaced holes 106 provided in one of the vertical side edges of frame 27 to fix the position of the shade at the desired point. The spring 97 is used to prevent damage to the shade or to cord 92 when the window section is moved outwardly to an open position. If such spring construction 97 were not provided it is believed apparent that upon movement of the shade outwardly it would possibly result in tear ing or breaking of the shade 9!) or the cord 92. It will br evident that various other suitable arrangements may b employed for manipulating shade 9%, as desired.

In the shade construction shown in Fig. 12 the shade 90 is mounted in a similar manner to the conventional shade but the roller does not have the pawl mechanism ordinarily used. For that reason it is simply necessary to manually move the shade upwardly and downwardly on the window section 23. Suitable guides 1% may be provided for the edges of the shade 9t) and a handle having an opening therein represented by the numeral 110 is provided so that it can be secured at the extreme bottom position to a pin or nail or similar type of projection.

From the foregoing, it is believed apparent that this invention provides a novel combination window and awning structure which will afford a maximum degree of ventilation while excluding rain and providing full control of light admission.

It will be understood that the relative dimensions of window section 23 and panels 24 may vary widely depending in general upon the size of the window opening and the dimensions of the unitary structures as a whole. Generally, it will be found preferable to make the width of panels 24 approximately one-half the height of the window in order that the panels 24 may extend laterally on opposite sides of opening 18a sufficient distance to effectively deflect rainfall from the sides of the Opening and to prevent entrance of direct rays of the sun from the sides when it is at a low point in the sky.

It will be understood that numerous alterations and modifications may be made in the details of the illustrative embodiments within the scope of the appended claims but without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent l. A combination window and awning structure for covering an opening in a building wall, comprising, a sash including a transparent medial section corresponding substantially in size to said opening, a pair of weather control panels extending laterally from the opposite side edges of said medial section, each panel having a width equal to approximately one-half the height of said medial section whereby to extend for a substantial distance beyond the side edges of said opening, and a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said medial section.

2. A combination window and awning structure for covering an opening in a building wall, comprising, a sash including a transparent medial section corresponding substantially in size to said opening, a pair of non-transparent co-planar weather control panels rigidly connected to the side edges of said medial section and extending laterally therefrom, each panel having a width equal to approximately one-half the height of said medial section whereby to extend for a substantial distance beyond the side edges of said opening, a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said medial section, hinge means connecting the upper portion of said sash to the upper edge of said opening, and means for adjustably positioning the lower portion of said sash outwardly from said opening.

3. In a combination window and awning hingedly mounted on a wall of a building and having a window glass section and rain control panels associated therewith, a supporting and locking means for said glass section and said panels including, a horizontally disposed rotatable shaft hingedly connecting said window and awning to said wall, a support arm pivotally connected to at least one of said panels, said support arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, and resilient means for normally urging said support arm, said window glass section and said panels outwardly away from said wall to an open position.

4. In a combination window and awning having a window glass section and rain control panels associated therewith and hingedly mounted on a wall of a building, a supporting and locking means for said glass section and said panels including, a horizontally disposed rotatable shaft hingedly connecting said window and awning to said wall, a support arm pivotally connected to at least one of said panels, said support arm being mounted on said rotatable shaft, resilient means for normally urging said support arm, said window glass section and said panels outwardly away from said wall to an open position, and a latching means to control the extent of outward movement of said window glass section and panels.

5. In a combination window and awning, a sash for covering a wall opening, a support and locking means including a support arm connected to said sash, an operating shaft mounted for rotation in a wall frame surrounding said opening, a torque tube secured to said shaft, said support arm being mounted for movement with said torque tube, a resilient means normally urging rotation of said torque tube for movement of said support arm, an angular link connected to said torque tube, said resilient means being connected to said link, whereby said link assumes a locking position with said torque tube to hold said sash closed against the wall frame.

6. In a combination window and awning, a sash for covering a wall opening, a support and locking means including a support arm connected to said sash, an operating shaft mounted for rotation in a wall frame surrounding said opening, a torque tube secured to said shaft, said support arm being mounted for movement with said torque tube, a resilient means normally urging rotation of said torque tube for movement of said support arm, and a latching means to control the rotation caused by said resilient means so that said sash may be held at various positions with respect to said wall frame.

7. An awning window comprising, in combination, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining an opening therein, a window sash adapted to cover said opening, means hingedly connecting said sash to the frame for swinging movement relative thereto, said means comprising a tubular shaft rotatably journalled in the frame and a hinge arm member secured to said shaft for rotation thereby and pivotally connected to said sash, an operating shaft rotatably journalled in the frame coaxially with the tubular shaft and extending into the bore thereof, said operating shaft being rigidly secured to the interior of the tubular shaft at a point intermediate the ends of the tubular shaft, and means for rotating the operating shaft.

8. An awning window comprising in combination, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining an opening therein, a window sash adapted to cover said opening, means hingedly connecting said sash to the frame for swinging movement relative thereto, said means comprising a tubular shaft rotatably journalled in the frame and a hinge arm member secured to said shaft for rotation thereby and pivotally connected to the sash, an operating shaft rotatably journalled in the frame coaxially with the tubular shaft and extending into the bore thereof, said operating shaft being rigidly secured to the interior of the tubular shaft at a point intermediate the ends of the tubular shaft, means for rotating the operating shaft, and resilient biasing means connecting the frame to the tubular shaft actuated by rotation of the tubular shaft past a center of rotation thereof to bias the sash in the direction of rotation.

9. An awning window comprising in combination, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining an opening therein, a window sash adapted to cover said opening, means hingedly connecting said sash to the frame for swinging movement relative thereto, said means comprising a tubular shaft rotatably journalled in the frame and a hinge arm member secured to said shaft for rotation thereby and pivotally connected to said sash, an operating shaft rotatably journalled in the frame coaxially with the tubular shaft and extending into the bore thereof, said operating shaft being rigidly secured to the interior of the tubular shaft at a point intermediate the ends of the tubular shaft, operator means for rotating the operating shaft, said operator means including releasable latch means for locking the shaft in a selected angular position.

10. An awning window comprising in combination, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining an opening therein, a window sash adapted to cover said opening, means hingedly connecting the said sash to the frame for swinging movement relative thereto, said means comprising a horizontally disposed shaft rotatably journalled in the frame, an angular hinge arm having one end secured to the shaft for rotation therewith and the other end extending beneath said sash and pivotally secured thereto, an operator for rotating said shaft through a center of rotation intermediate the open and closed positions of the sash, and resiliently biasing means connecting the frame to the shaft and actuated by rotation of the shaft on each side of said center to bias the sash in the direction of rotation.

11. An awning window comprising in combination, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining a rectangular opening therein, a sash including a transparent medial section adapted to cover said opening and a pair of rectangular weather control panels extending laterally from the opposite side edges of said medial section for a substantial distance beyond the side edges of said opening, means for swinging the sash relative to the frame, said means comprising a tubular shaft rotatably journailed in the frame transversely above the upper end of the sash, a pair of hinge arms secured to said tubular shaft at laterally spaced points thereon for rotation with said shaft, said arms extending forwardly beneath the respective panels and pivotally secured thereto, an operator for rotating said tubular shaft, said operator including a shaft rotatably journalled in said frame coaxially with the tubular shaft and extending into the bore thereof, said operating shaft being rigidly secured to the interior of the tubular shaft at a point intermediate said arms.

12. An awning window as defined by claim 11, having resilient means connecting said frame to said tubular shaft for biasing the shaft in the direction of rotation on opposite sides of a center of rotation.

13. In an awning window as defined by claim 11, a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said medial section.

14. In an awning window as defined by claim 11, a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said medial section, a shade control means including a resilient member extendible and contractible in response to the swinging movement of said sash.

15. A combination window and awning structure for covering an opening in a building wall, comprising a sash including a transparent medial section corresponding substantially in size to said opening, a pair of non-transparent co-planar weather control panels rigidly connected to the side edges of said medial section and extending laterally therefrom, each panel having a width equal to approximately one-half the height of said medial section whereby to extend for a substantial distance beyond the side edges of said 0pening,.a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said medial section, hinge means connecting the upper portion of said sash to the upper edge of said opening, resilient means connected to the sash to normally urge the same outwardly from said opening, and means for adjustably positioning the lower portion of the sash outwardly from said opening.

16. A combination window and awning structure, comprising, a frame insertible in a building wall and defining an opening therein, a sash having its upper edge portion hinged to the outer face of the frame for swinging movement toward and away from said opening, and extensible resilient support means connecting said sash to said frame to normally urge said sash to the open position, said sash including a transparent medial section adapted to cover said opening and a pair of weather control panels connected to the opposite sides of said medial section in co-planar relation thereto and extending laterally beyond the side edges of said opening a distance equal to about one-half the height of said medial section, and a shade member adjustably extendible over the inner face of said transparent medial section.

17. A combination window and awning structure as defined by claim 15, wherein said resilient means comprises an extensible arm formed by a pair of telescoping sections, and resilient means urging the sections to relatively extended position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 17,389 Gillman July 30, 1929 465,850 Hallenstein Dec. 29, 1891 993,061 Hanlon May 23, 1911 1,799,020 Moore Mar. 31, 1931 1,953,845 Barbieri et al. Apr. 3, 1934 2,105,735 Hodge Jan. 18, 1938 2,280,387 Dilworth Apr. 21, 1942 2,386,986 Shirley Oct. 16, 1945 2,603,842 Robinson July 22, 1952 

